Dear Neighbors,
This week has been defined by long nights as debates on our budget bills stretch on. Here is an update from the Capitol:
Even though we’ve been busy with floor updates I’ve had time to say goodbye to my session intern, Kristin, on her last day, greet Rabbi Moss with my fellow Jewish legislators, congratulate Edina Eagle Scouts, visit with students, and say ‘hi’ to some lambs on the Capitol lawn!
K-12 Budget Passed - Read Act 2.0
The House DFL passed a robust K-12 budget which increases investments in student literacy, ensures students have access to accurate physical and mental health education, guarantees paid support for student teachers and more training opportunities, and addresses student absenteeism. One of the primary provisions of the legislation is my “Read Act 2.0”. This invests $37 million to compensate teachers as they train in our new science based literacy program. This is a critical step to improving literacy rates across Minnesota and I’m proud we were able to pass it in the House.
House Floor Votes
The House continues to debate and pass supplemental budget and policy bills on the floor, covering important issues such as labor, housing, the environment, and more. Our work this year builds on last year’s historic successes and works to improve the lives of working and middle class Minnesotans. Recently, the House has passed:
- A broadly bipartisan bill investing $240 million in our outdoors, clean water, parks and trails, and cultural heritage from the Legacy Amendment fund.
- An Environment and Natural Resources bill with new investments in tree planting, improving air quality, holding repeat polluters accountable, and tackling solid waste and recycling.
- A Children and Families bill that reforms our child protection system and builds on historic investments in economic support for families, food security, and emergency shelter.
- A Transportation, Labor, and Housing bill that invests in railroad safety and public transit, enhances worker rights and safety, improves housing stability for renters and seniors, and funds homelessness prevention.
Arbor Day Celebration
Friday, April 26th is Arbor Day, and DFLers are taking action to protect our environment and honor trees' vital role in our ecosystem. This year we are investing millions in tree planting grants for communities around our state.
Last Thursday on the House floor, members of the House Environment Committee distributed White Oak, Black Cherry, and Cranberry Bush saplings from Schumacher’s Nursery in Heron Lake, Minnesota. I’m looking forward to bringing my sapling back home and watching it grow!
Stay in Touch
Please reach out to me anytime at rep.heather.edelson@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4363 with your input or questions. You’re also welcome to follow me or ‘like’ my official Facebook page for additional updates.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Edina and Bloomington residents and families in the Minnesota House!
Sincerely,
Heather Edelson
State Representative